old growth

noun

1. forest growth consisting of mature or overmature trees.
2. virgin timber.

Other Words From

• old-growth adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of old growth¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Having access to both old growth mountains as well as unique shellfish habitats like the Outer Banks is a gift.

From Salon

And the old growth forest that is enmeshed in the town’s identity is under threat.

From Salon

"We are very interested in understanding how Indigenous knowledge can be used in combination with western science to improve our management of all forest conditions including old growth," said Forest Service Deputy Chief Chris French.

From Science Daily

In the 1990s, however, ecological concerns prompted a pullback from logging on federal lands in the Pacific Northwest, where old growth had dwindled and habitat loss threatened many species.

From New York Times

The Wishbone area was previously logged in the 1920s and 1930s, so it isn’t a pristine “old growth” forest off-limits to timber sales.

From Seattle Times